Prolific Director James Burrows Signs With WME

Sitcom superstar has helmed nearly 100 pilots that went to series

Prolific TV director James Burrows has signed with WME for representation in all areas.

The signing is a coup for WME as Burrows is the reigning dean of sitcom pilot directors, with credits that range from “Cheers” (which he co-created with Glen and Les Charles) and “Taxi” to “Friends” and “The Big Bang Theory.” Burrows has been represented since the mid-1970s by Bob Broder, first at the Broder Kurland agency and then at ICM.

Broder, who segued from agenting to run Chuck Lorre Prods. in 2012, is the only talent rep Burrows has ever had. He will remain a key adviser to Burrows.

WME TV chief Rick Rosen spearheaded the effort to bring Burrows to the agency. WME also reps the estate of Burrows’ father, famed playwright Abe Burrows, through the latter’s association with the former William Morris Agency.

James Burrows has directed nearly 100 pilots that have been picked up to series. He bears the distinction of having helmed every episode of NBC’s “Will & Grace.” He was the sole director for the first two seasons of CBS’ “Mike & Molly” and has directed the 12 episodes of CBS’ “The Millers” produced to date.

Burrows typically helms three to four multicamera comedy pilots a year, working as a free agent. His canon is approaching 1,000 episodes of television, which have garnered 10 Emmy Awards and four Directors Guild kudos to date.